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Community Grants Program

THCF’s Community Grants program is designed to support agencies and programs that benefit Eastern Jackson & Cass Counties.

people outside doing yoga

Gilda's Club Kansas City received a grant to support local cancer support groups for patients and caregivers.

Community Grants Fund a Variety of Programs

Grants address such issues as:

  • Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation
  • Adult or Non-Traditional Education (not Children's Education)
  • Community Betterment (improving neighborhoods, youth development and leadership, programs for seniors, transportation, violence prevention, racial equity, etc.)
  • Health and Human Services
  • Wildlife Conservation in Missouri – open to agencies statewide

These issues encompass the full spectrum of what makes a community vibrant. THCF strives to ensure that the needs of our service areas are addressed, resulting in resilient communities that serve all citizens and improve their quality of life.

COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE DUE MARCH 23, 2026

Young people teaching toddlers t-ball

Raytown Youth Baseball-Softball Association received funding to provide a viable and affordable opportunity for local children to participate in youth sports programs.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, units of local government, or public education institutions
  • Must be located in or serving individuals or communities in Eastern Jackson County (East of I-435), suburban Jackson County (outside KC), and Cass County
  • Funding requests are for activities that will take place in the next fiscal year. With proposals due in March, it is recommended that your project have a start date of November/December of that year OR begin in January of the following year.
  • Statewide applicants are accepted when applying for Missouri Wildlife Conservation projects.

3-Year Rule

Beginning in 2024, a 3-year rule was implemented. Programs, projects, and general operating grant awards are eligible for funding for up to three consecutive years. All previous grantees and their programs/services had a "re-set." in 2024. 2024 grantees will be in their FIRST year of funding. Grantees will be eligible for two additional years of funding (a new application is needed each year). Once an agency has received grant monies three years in a row, the agency MUST take one year off before reapplying for a grant.

Apply for Only ONE Grant

As of 2024, eligible organizations may apply for ONLY ONE grant, either through Community Grants OR the Jelley Family Foundation Grants. 

Incomplete Applications will Be Disqualified

The THCF grants process is very competitive and we want to ensure that each proposal receives fair consideration. We ask that organizations double-check all attachments and ensure that the proposal is completed accurately and submitted before the deadline. 

In the event that an error is identified, Foundation staff may reach out if time allows to help alert you of errors. However, incomplete applications will ultimately be disqualified from review.

Please Note: For awards granted during the 2024 Cycle, Final Reports must be submitted by Dec 29, 2025.  Late reports may have a significant impact on their 2026 application. 

Apply Now      Applicant Tutorial (New Dashboard)

What Is A Typical Community Grant Award Amount?

The average Community Grant award is $5,000-$7,000. The maximum award is $10,000. There will approximately $300,000 available through the Community Grants program. A percentage of these funds will be awarded to “NEW” grantees (agencies who have never received a THCF competitive grant).

Important Dates for Community Grants

  • Applications are due the fourth Monday of March
  • Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by early October
  • Grant checks will be issued in November at our annual Grants Luncheon
  • All recipient organizations must complete a final report in the Grants Portal at the conclusion of the program funded or twelve months from the date of the award
2026 Grant APPLICATIONSDATES 
Grant Applications OpenFirst Week of January 2026Login to Portal
Free Grants WorkshopFebruary 5, 2026                  Registration TBA
DUE: Jelley Family Foundation Mon, March 9, 2026Sample Application    
DUE: Community GrantsMon, March 23, 2026Sample Application
DUE: Jelley Family Foundation Final ReportDue at the end of the project or 12 months after the date of the awardSample Final Report
DUE: Community Grants Final ReportDue at the end of the project or 12 months after the date of the award - by Dec 29, 2025 for 2024, and Dec 29, 2026 for 2025 cycles.Sample Final Report

Apply Now      Applicant Tutorial 

Youth Advisory Council students voting with a young man in front raising his hand
Youth Advisory Council students make a real difference in the THCF grants process.

What Does The Application Include?

  • GRANTS BUDGET SHEET: Download a Grants Budget Sheet that must be included in your application. This is not needed for General Operation requests.
  • COMMUNITY GRANTS FINAL REPORT FORM : This form should be accessed through the portal to create an interim or final report. All organizations that have previously received grant funding must submit a final report regarding their most recent completed grant award. This would be any grant awarded prior to the most recent November check distribution.
  • SAMPLE APPLICATION: This is a sample of information requested on the Community Grants application.
  • TAX-EXEMPTION LETTER: If you do not already have one, request a copy  of your organization's tax-exempt letter from the IRS. Here is a SAMPLE of a correct 501(c)(3) letter.

Download Sample Application

Grant Evaluations May Include a Review by our THCF Youth Advisory Council

THCF's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) students participate in our Community Grants program each year. Students review at least 16 Community Grant proposals that serve the communities where they live and go to school. 

YAC members conduct site visits to applicant organizations during June and July. The members then share their findings and provide recommendations to THCF's Grants Committee. YAC also uses these site visits to determine how they will award their annual grant dollars from their Endowment fund. 

If your proposal proceeds through the first round of reviews, your agency may be asked if it is willing to host a site visit to discuss your grant proposals with our Youth Advisory Council members. This is entirely optional and will not affect final grant award decisions if you choose to decline.

Apply Now      Applicant Tutorial 

Questions?

Diana Castillo is here to help, email or call (816) 912-4184.

Email Diana

For Nonprofits

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Whether you're exploring a grant, attending our annual workshop, or need help with an application — we're here to help.

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